Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Let's not feed the flames of terrorism!...Executing Saddam Hussein will immediately elevate him to martyrdom status in the eyes of extremists and bring renewed vigor to those groups working to destabilize Iraq. It should be crystal clear that a solution in Iraq favorable to the West is presently nowhere in sight. Rather than stoke the flames of terrorism, we should seriously consider turning Saddam Hussein lose to resolve the mess. As objectionable as his methods of governance may be, we ought to be able to agree that a stable Iraq is in every one's best interest. This is not to be misconstrued as an argument to free Saddam Hussein, but rather a potential solution to the intractable challenge we face in Iraq. Rejecting this idea on moral grounds is baseless when an infinitely more brutal regime is bludgeoning its own in Somalia. Saddam Hussein IS a thug, but perhaps that is exactly what is required to stabilize such a disparate country as Iraq.
Labels: Stoking Terrorism
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Why isn't anybody mad as hell? Stockholders in particular should be absolutely incensed with "executive looting". Fannie Mae stockholders were the apparent victims of "executive looting" by Messrs. Raines and Howard, formerly top executives of the organization. The tens of millions of dollars absconded by these two again reinforces the need for improved executive compensation structure and legal accountability.
While a group of "self-serving" individuals work to lessen the enforceability of Sarbanes-Oxley, another case of "executive looting" smacks yet another group of stockholders right where it counts, the investment portfolio. And yes, Fanny Mae is reportedly paying legal fees for these alleged criminals. Here's an idea for extracting just compensation from those found guilty of "executive looting". Stockholders should receive all funds stolen plus accrued interest. "Executive looters" should receive 1 year in prison for each million dollars not returned under the above penalty guideline.
The ability of executives to ransack corporate treasuries, under the guise of performance pay, is only possible because of the lack of accountability in the board room. Board members need to be more accountable for their actions. There are no "free lunches", even in the board room, and rubber stamping the recommendations of management should not be considered one of them.
While a group of "self-serving" individuals work to lessen the enforceability of Sarbanes-Oxley, another case of "executive looting" smacks yet another group of stockholders right where it counts, the investment portfolio. And yes, Fanny Mae is reportedly paying legal fees for these alleged criminals. Here's an idea for extracting just compensation from those found guilty of "executive looting". Stockholders should receive all funds stolen plus accrued interest. "Executive looters" should receive 1 year in prison for each million dollars not returned under the above penalty guideline.
The ability of executives to ransack corporate treasuries, under the guise of performance pay, is only possible because of the lack of accountability in the board room. Board members need to be more accountable for their actions. There are no "free lunches", even in the board room, and rubber stamping the recommendations of management should not be considered one of them.
Labels: Crime in the Executive Suite
